Meet the students reporting on the World Cup for School Report

During the World Cup 2010, School Reporters from three African nations will be reporting on matches involving their home teams.

Meet the reporters from Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana, who will each be attending one of these three matches and reporting on the game for the BBC as part of
School Report Sports Day.

The pupils are all from schools taking part in the British Council's Connecting Classrooms project and will be working in partnership with School Report to provide on the spot reports.

ENIOLA, 16, NIGERIA

I am tipping Brazil or Argentina because they have some of the best players in the world. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Nigeria lifts the cup. It would indeed be a great day for the whole of Africa.

Eniola, 16, Government Science Technical College, Abuja

Describe yourself and your family.

I am the eldest of five children, I have two brothers and two sisters. I am about five feet seven inches tall. My father is a pastor of a local church while my mother is a civil servant. I am presently in my second year of senior secondary school.

What do you most enjoy at school?

My school is currently the only technical school in Abuja. I love the school because of the vocational trade courses we offer like computer craft, electronic works, electrical installation. We are also taught science subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics and Economics. The school prepares us to be self reliant after leaving school. I also love the school because of its beautiful landscapes and the many friends I've made since joining the school two years ago.

What are your hobbies?

They include reading story books, listening to music and playing computer games.

What is your ambition?

To become a great computer engineer. I hope to be the first Nigerian to build a computer.

Which sports do you enjoy?

I have a strong passion for football because it is a game that excites me and my friends anytime I play or watch it. I also enjoy playing motor sports like NASCAR on my computer because it is a game that stimulates the mind.

Describe sport at school.

My school mainly engages students in athletics and football events. Every year, the school organises inter-house competitions where students compete in sports like football, volleyball, and several track and field events. It is usually a very exciting competition for all the staff and students.

What do you think about the World Cup coming to South Africa?

First of all, it is going to be the very first time that the biggest football event will be hosted on African soil. Secondly, it has given South Africa the opportunity to develop her football facilities, boost tourism and also generate tons and tons of revenue for the nation. The event will also help to unite the South Africans and make them forget the troubles they've had in the past.

Why is football is so popular?

Football is a very exciting game. Eight out of ten people enjoy watching football and a lot of people love playing the game. It is a game that enjoys large followers all over the world. The excitement of the game bonds people together and makes them forget their differences.

Who is your favourite player?

Christiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid. I also love Austin "Jay Jay" Okocha but he has stopped playing for Nigeria.

Who are you supporting?

My first choice is Nigeria. The Super Eagles have the best players in the world and I look forward to seeing them get to the finals.

Which other team are you supporting?

Portugal, because my favourite player, Ronaldo, plays for them.

What are your World Cup predictions?

I am tipping Brazil or Argentina because they have some of the best players in the world and they have been very consistent in winning the World Cup in the past. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Nigeria lifts the cup. It would indeed be a great day for Nigeria and the whole of Africa.

TIMOTHY, 17, NIGERIA

The World Cup is going to bring about unity in Africa and also fight racial discrimination

Timothy, 17, Government Science Secondary School, Abuja

Describe yourself and your family.

I am about five feet seven inches tall. I am a Muslim. I am from a family of eight; five boys and three girls, of which I am the seventh. My family is Christian and very devoted Catholics.

What do you most enjoy at school?

Everyday I get to know and do new things. I also enjoy meeting new friends and going out for organised excursions.

What are your hobbies?

I love playing football, reading books and also listening to Christian songs.

What is your ambition?

I will like to be a journalist. I have written several articles for the British Council's Connecting Classroom programme and presented them during school assemblies.

Everybody loves playing or watching football. Football is the only game that can capture the whole family audience.

Describe sport at school.

My school is a football-loving school. My school football team is among the best in Abuja. We have a beautiful pitch. We also play some lawn-tennis, basketball, volleyball and badminton.

What do you think about the World Cup coming to South Africa?

It's an opportunity for South Africa to host for the glory of the African continent. This is the first time Africa has hosted the tournament and by doing so, Africa is telling the world: "If you can do it, we will do better". It's going to bring about unity in Africa and the world in general and also fight racial discrimination which still exists in some parts of the African continent and the globe.

Why is football is so popular?

Football is popular because it is displayed worldwide - more so than any other sports - and it is also one of the simplest games to learn. It is one of the greatest sports.

Who is your favourite player?

Nwankwo Kanu who plays for Portsmouth. He is a good forward and wears jersey number four. He is the captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. I like his style of play.

Who are you supporting?

Nigeria, the Super Eagles.

Which other team are you supporting?

Brazil. They are one of the strongest teams and have won the World Cup five times. This will make them feel more confident on the pitch. They have a lot of experience that will be put to use.

What is your prediction for the World Cup?

This is a very difficult question because almost all the teams have assembled their best and are into serious training with full force. I think it will be Brazil, again, or maybe Nigeria. Of course, Africa is hosting, and the cup should stay in Africa.

SIHLE, 14, SOUTH AFRICA

The world will finally know how great South Africa is and get the chance to learn how we do things. They will see the beauty of Africa.

Sihle, 14, Ubuhle-bezwe Junior Secondary School, Pretoria

Describe yourself and your family.

I am the third child of six. I live with both my parents and my grandmother. I have three brothers and two sisters. Two are older than me and others are at primary school. I have a very peaceful family. Even though we have our ups and downs, we support each other.

What are your hobbies?

Computing, travelling and reading about the world, inventing, writing stories and travelling.

What do you most enjoy at school?

I like being involved with School Report. I have learned many things such as how news is made, how to write a story and how to work together with learners from other schools. I have also learned how to work as a team successfully. The journalist assisting us at school is doing a great job.

I also enjoy being involved in a science project and in our school, educators do everything in their power to open up opportunities for learners.

What is your ambition?

To do my best in journalism and other activities.

Which sports do you enjoy?

Golf, because you must think carefully before taking action, racing, because only the best wins, and you must think fast, and soccer, because it keeps your body healthy and it connects people all over the world.

Describe sport at school.

Netball, soccer, volleyball and athletics. Some are done at very particular times; chess, for example.

What do you think about the World Cup coming to South Africa?

The world will finally know how great South Africa is and get the chance to learn how we do things. They will see the beauty of Africa. For us youth, we will get opportunities to do great things.

Why is football is so popular?

Most of people in the world like soccer. It doesn't need lots of equipment, it keeps children out of the streets, it's easy to play and it is very interesting to watch.

Who is your favourite player?

Surprise Moriri, who plays for South Africa, and Didier Drogba, who plays for Ivory Coast.

Who are you supporting?

South Africa because it's my home team.

Which other team are you supporting?

England.

What is your prediction for the World Cup?

I think South Africa will win.

ZANDILE, 14, SOUTH AFRICA

In a tournament like this, it is always hard to predict who will win. I say: 'May the best defenders, goal keepers, middle fielders and strikers win.'

Zandile, 14, Ubuhle-bezwe Junior Secondary School, Pretoria

Describe yourself and your family.

I am clever, a fast leaner and a big dreamer. I love to learn, read and spend time with my family. I am from a family of four which includes myself, my sister, Tshepiso, my mom, Betty, and my father Raymond. I am always respectful, no matter what happens.

I was not interested in soccer before, but since my home country is hosting the World Cup, I am a big fan.

What do you most enjoy at school?

I like the opportunity to gain journalistic skills so as to be a good reporter. We also have access to a laboratory. In our school, we say: ''education is the key to success''.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are to sing, dance, read interesting stories, especially in the Bible, play netball - because I am good at it - and watch sport on TV (I might be a bit noisy if my team is losing!). I also love writing, going to church, school trips, travelling, going on vacation and adventures. I have always dreamt about going to London.

What is your ambition?

I want to be a economics reporter; an ambition I discovered last year.

Which sports do you enjoy?

I love playing netball and basketball. My uncle once taught me basketball.

Describe sport at school.

We play netball, football and volleyball. We also do discus, javelin and shot put.

What do you think about the World Cup coming to South Africa?

It will be a great opportunity for South Africa to grow economically.

Why is football is so popular?

It is was played centuries ago and also played today.

Who are you supporting?

I am supporting my home team Bafana Bafana. They need support from every South African and I am a good citizen and proud of my country.

Which other team are you supporting?

Brazil - they are great players after all!

What is your prediction for the World Cup?

In a tournament like this, it is always hard to predict. I say: "May the best defenders, goal keepers, middle fielders and strikers win."

AKOSUA, 13, GHANA

I wish Ghana could win the World Cup but I think, based on performance, England can win because they are a good team and have good players like Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.

Akosua, 13, Headlines Educational Institute, Kumasi

Describe yourself and your family.

I am the eldest of thee children and the only daughter. My brothers are Yaw, who is 11 and Kofi who is 9-years-old. I live with my parents who are both teachers.

What do you most enjoy at school?

It helps me to meet a lot of new people and I get to learn a lot new things.

What are your hobbies?

Reading and swimming.

What is your ambition?

I want to become a civil engineer.

Which sports do you enjoy?

I enjoy playing football and swimming because they help me keep my body fit.

Describe sport at school.

We do basketball, football and athletics. We usually play football matches against other school teams or different classes at our school.

What do you think about the World Cup?

I think it will make Africans happy and proud, and it will let a lot of people know more about Africa.

Why is football is so popular?

It is very easy to organise, in any part of the world, and a lot of people enjoy watching and playing soccer.

Who is your favourite player?

Andre Dede Ayew of Ghana and Olympique de Marseille of France. He is currently on loan to AC Arles-Avignon.

Who are you supporting?

I support the Ghana Black Stars.

Which other team are you supporting?

I also support the Super Eagles of Nigeria because they have good players.

What is your prediction for the World Cup?

I wish Ghana could win but I think, based on performance, England can win because they are a good team and have good players like Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.

ABENAA, 11, GHANA

My favourite player is Michael Essien of Ghana's Black Stars and Chelsea

Abenaa, 11, Headlines Educational Institute, Kumasi

Describe yourself and your family.

I live at Asafo in Kumasi. I have three siblings; a sister and two brothers. I am second of the four siblings. I live with my father and grandmother. I am in class six and I love to read.

What do you most enjoy at school?

I like the fun part with teachers and my friends, the trees, the games, food and gossip. I also do well in class and get good grades.

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